Multiple Port Distribution Manifold

ABSTRACT

A mountable Multiple Port Distribution Manifold consisting of a knob, connected to a hollow, rotate-able Shaft that mounts within the Manifold. By rotating the Knob/Shaft, the side hole of the Knob/Shaft assembly may selectively intersect with multiple ports within the Manifold. Said assembly also provides of an “off” position, where no Shaft/Manifold intersection allows port to port connection. The invention may be constructed of any suitable material, natural or synthetic, that is sufficiently strong to withstand the internal pressures of a gas or liquid media routed within without leakage.

BACKGROUND General

This invention relates to the attachment, interconnection, selection anddistribution of multiple gas/fluid sources to destinations, within asingle device. Depending upon the direction of flow the invention mayeither be used to a) route one [selected from a plurality] gas/liquid[“media”] “in” port to a single “out”, or ; b) route a single gas/liquid[“media”] “in” port to one of a plurality of “ out” ports.

A definitive feature of the invention is the passage of the mediathrough the rotate-able Selector Knob/Shaft [“Knob/Shaft”] assembly tothe single port. Said “Shaft” is hollow, with a opening at one end thatis exterior to the manifold. A second opening appears on the sidesurface of the shaft, interior to the manifold. Selection of whichsingle port, of the plurality available, will be selected and alignedwith the interior opening to the shaft, is accomplished by rotating theKnob/Shaft assembly to the desired alignment. This rotational operationeffectively selects the two ports (from/to) through with the media willbe routed, within a unique, compact design configuration. Itsimultaneously routes said media internally through a predeterminedchange in direction without the use of additional externally connected“swivels.” Lastly, the Shaft/Knob may also rotate to a position where noin/out port alignment exists, thereby creating an “off” position,through which no media may flow.

Application I: From Choice of Many to One

By way of example [and not limitation as to the variety of applicationsfor which the invention may be suited], this invention may be used bypersons in adverse environments where, in the event of a stoppage of themain media supply, the user may quickly rotate the Shaft/Knob assemblyto select an alternative source from one of a plurality of alternative“in” sources. The media is internally redirected at a predeterminedangle, from in to out, or may be shut off entirely.

Application II: From One to Choice of Many

Where the flow of media is opposite of Application I, the user maydistribute media from a single “in” port to one of a plurality of “out”ports by rotating the Shaft/Knob assembly to selectively route thesingle “in” source to one of a plurality of alternative “out”destinations. The media is internally redirected at a predeterminedangle, from in to out, or may to shut off entirely.

In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no device formerly developedprovides as simple, elegant and reliable design solution for theimmediate selection from or distribution to alternative gas/fluid[“media”] sources/destinations.

Background of Multiport Distribution Manifold

In the following description, certain terms will be used for brevity,clarity, and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchwords are used for description purposes herein and are intended to bebroadly construed. Furthermore, the embodiments of the systemillustrated and described herein are by way of example, and the scope ofthe invention is not limited to the exact details of construction anduse. They represent the general design characteristics of the inventionand not the manufacturing details or applicable uses of the finalproduction product. Shapes, sizes and fit will change in response to therequirements of various applications. Many other variations are possiblewith the teachings of the various embodiments.

Example Application of Use:

This invention may be used by persons both underwater (SCUBA) andterrestrial (SCBA). who require access to an alternative gas supply froma remote tank, surface supply or the main tank of a “buddy” partner,without disconnecting or disrupting the flow of gas. This type oftransition is highly problematic and dangerous, especially whenexecution is required in toxic or zero visibility environments.

Furthermore, current designs do not allow for insertion of a tertiarygas supply (i.e. from an external tank, “buddy” or remote source). Thedesign goal for the user whose gas supply has failed, is to haveavailable a choice of multiple redundant gas supplies without need tofirst disconnect one source, before accessing an alternate. With theinstant invention selection is simply made by rotating the Shaft/Knobinto the right position, through which the supply will flow.

An example of this use is where a single source of air, is used to powera selection of pneumatic devices. By way of example only (and notlimitation), said devices may be dental tools, mechanics tools, or evena multiple selection of air brushes such as those used by visual ormakeup artists. Each tool is connected to a different “port”. Thesingle-port “in” source is directed through the Knob/Shaft, which isrotated by the user to direct the gas to exit and power the appropriatedevice. Furthermore, the Shaft/Knob may be rotated to a position whereno multi-port “out” exists, thereby creating an “off” position, throughwhich no media may flow.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 343,640 discloses a Multiple air brush tool station.FIG. 1 shows a manifold with one inlets, a pressure gauge and valve,connected to three outlets. Outlet selection is not rotational, northrough a selector knob.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,653 discloses a fluid (gas) mixing regulator formixing two gases, using two regulator systems with a single controlwhich can maintain a selected ratio of gases to the outlet at variable:flow rates. FIG. 1 shows a manifold with two inlets and one outlet.Outlet selection is not rotational, nor through a selector knob, norallows simultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,798 discloses a fire-fighter's breathing apparatuswhich allows for connection with a second mask to provide emergency airto a second user. Source selection is not rotational, nor through aselector knob, nor allows simultaneous attachment/selection of tertiarysource.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,490 Multiple Outlet Connection means forSelf-Contained Positive Pressure or Demand Regulated BreathingApparatus: shows a method by which to full face masked divers may sharethe air supply of a single diver. Air distribution is not selectablerotationally, nor through a selector knob, nor does it allowssimultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source.

U.S. Pat No. 4,449,524 discloses SCUBA including a demand valve forcontrolling gas flow, demand valve bypass means and allows providingemergency help to a second user by connecting his bypass valve to thefirst bypass orifice. Source selection is not rotational, nor through aselector knob, nor allows simultaneous attachment/selection of tertiarysource.

U.S. Pat No. 4,838,256 discloses SCUBA with connections for underwatertransfer of air from one user's tank to another's. In the figures, plugvalve has four ports and two connection options. Sourceselection/distribution is not rotational through a selector knob. Doesnot allow simultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source.

U.S. Pat. No. 44,841,953 discloses SCUBA mask with connections forattachment of one alternate air source. Source selection is notrotational, nor through a selector knob, nor allows simultaneousattachment/selection of tertiary source.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,030 discloses a chest-mounted pilot's terminal blockassembly which couples breathing gas from a regulator to a breathingmask. A second outlet may couple to a chest vest. Emergency breathinggas (at high pressure) connects to the terminal block through a fixedorifice and a small diameter high pressure hose. Source selection is notrotational, nor through a selector knob, nor allows simultaneousattachment/selection of tertiary source.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,864 Emergency Breathing Apparatus shows a gasmanifold designed delivery primary source air to one of only twodestinations. Destination selection is not rotational, nor through aselector knob, nor does it allows simultaneous attachment/selection oftertiary destinations.

U.S. Pat. No 5,411,018 Underwater Oxygen Supply System shows a main airsupply and attached emergency back up air supply that feeds a gasmanifold. The choice of air source is selectable by the diver. Sourceselection is not rotational through a selector knob and does not allowsimultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source.

U.S. Pat. No 5,584,289 Breathing Apparatus Having a Flexible ManifoldConnected Between a Plurality of Air Cylinders, shows two cylindersconnected via High Pressure (“HP”, 3,000 psi) hoses to a central HPmanifold, that selects the air source for delivery to a first stageregulator. The system may also be used to connect an external LP airsource post second stage, and not through the HP manifold. Sourceselection is not rotational through a selector knob and does not allowsimultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source, through themanifold.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,542 Decompression Gas Switching Manifold shows theuse of a two, dual source switching manifolds connected together by athird selector manifold to allow selection of three different airsources deliverable to a diver. Source selection is not rotationalthrough a single selector knob within a single manifold. Does not allowsimultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source, through a singlemanifold to which primary and secondary sources are connected.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,577 Reserve Air for Underwater Diving shows a methodof connecting and switching from a main air source to an attachedredundant air source for emergency back up purposes. Source selection isnot rotational through a selector knob and does not allow simultaneousattachment/selection of tertiary source, through the manifold.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,199 B1 Multiple Distributor for Low-Pressure Usesshows a method of distributing a single low pressure air source to amanifold, for delivery to alternate air using devices, includingbreathing air for the diver. Source selection is not rotational througha selector knob and does not allow simultaneous attachment/selection oftertiary source, through the manifold.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,525 Triplicate Diving Gas Valve Device is a singledevice that distributes air to a siren alarming device, life coatinflation and for diver breathing . Source selection is not rotationalthrough a selector knob and does not allow simultaneousattachment/selection of secondary or tertiary source.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,428 B1 Apparatus for Connection Air Bottles shows adual valve apparatus for transferring air from an external source toSCUBA or SCBA user to replenish air or provide an alternative source.Source selection is not rotational through a selector knob and does notallow simultaneous attachment/selection of tertiary source.

Summary of Multiple Port Distribution Manifold

Application I: From Choice of Many to One

The invention is a quantum improvement and simplification in the designof systems for selectively routing media sources to one of a selectedplurality destinations.

Feature 1: The invention allows for the rotational selection of one of aplurality of “in” ports from which the media will be internallyredirected at a predetermined angle to a single “out” port.

Feature 2: The rotational selection is by a knob that is attached to ahollow air shaft. Said shaft has two openings: one on the exterior end,the other on the side surface. The Knob Shaft assembly functions both asselector and router of the media from the selected “in” port to thesingle “out” port.

Feature 3: The direction of the knob indicates which “in” port isselected as source.

Feature 4: The invention allows for an “off” selection position byrotation of the knob to a position which offers no “in” port.

Feature 5: The rotational selection is made accurate by an internallylocated spring/bearing assembly, which partially presses the bearinginto a semi-circular indentation on the airshaft, for selective stoppageat each port or the off position.

Feature 6: The invention allows for the attachment of a variety ofcouplers or other source devices.

Application II: From One to Choice of Many

Where the flow of media is opposite of Application I, the user has theoption of distributing the media “in” from the single Knob/Shaftassembly port to one of a plurality of “out” ports.

Feature 1: The invention allows for the rotational selection andinternal redirection at a predetermined angle, of one of a plurality of“out” ports to which the media is routed from a single “in” port.

Feature 2: The rotational selection is by a knob that is attached to ahollow air shaft. Said shaft has two openings: one on the exterior end,the other on the side surface. The Knob Shaft assembly functions both asselector and router of the media from the single “in” port to one of aplurality of “out” ports.

Feature 3: The direction of the knob indicates which “out” port isselected

Feature 4: The invention allows for an “off” selection position byrotation of the knob to a position which offers no “out” port.

Feature 5: The rotational selection is made accurate by an internallylocated spring/bearing assembly, which partially presses the bearinginto a semi-circular indentation on the airshaft, for selective stoppageat each port or the off position.

Feature 6: The invention allows for the attachment of a variety ofcouplers or other destination devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1: Side—Two (In/Out) Port Assembled FIG. 4: Sagittal View Assembled

FIG. 2: Side—One (In/Out) Port Assembled FIG. 5: Sagittal View Assembled

FIG. 3: Exploded View

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

Part 1: Manifold Part 7: Bushing Mounting Screws

Part 2: Manifold Mounting Screws Part 8: Shaft Selector Bearing

Part 3: Hollow Shaft Part 9: Shaft Selector Bearing Spring

Part 4: Port 1 (in/out) Part 10: Selector Knob

Part 5: Port 2-4 (in/out) Part 11: Selector Knob Set Screw

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MULTIPLE PORT DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD

General Description:

The Multiple Port Distribution Manifold (#1) consists of a Selector Knob(#10), connected to a rotate-able Hollow Shaft (#3) that fits within aManifold (#1). The Manifold has multiple selectable ports (#5) thatintersect with the vertical Knob/Shaft assembly (#'s 4, 10, 12). Fourports are shown in the current embodiment. More are possible. Byrotating the Knob/Shaft assembly port (#4) said assembly may associatethe single port (#4) with any one of the plurality ports (#5) at apredetermined angle relative to each other. The Manifold (#1) ismountable by retaining screws (#2) on its underside. The Shaft (#3) isretained within the Manifold (#1) by a Bushing (#6), secured by multipleMounting Screws (#7) into the Manifold (#1). The Shaft (#4) is sealedagainst the Bushing (#6) by a Sealant Surface (#12). The Sealant Surface(#12) prevents media leakage, yet allows the Shaft (#3) to rotate asrequired by the use of a Knob/Set Screw arrangement (#'s 101,11). TheKnob/Shaft/Sealant (#'s 10, 3, 12) assembly has multiple selectablepositions to properly associate each in/out port, through theKnob/Hollow Shaft (#3). The selection is facilitated by a bearing/springassembly (#'s 8, 9) that is housed horizontally within the Bushing (#6).The Spring (#9) assembly exerts Bearing (#8) pressure against the shaftwithin the Bushing (#6). Appropriately placed indents within the Shaft(#3) allow the bearing (#8) to insert within and allow properport-to-port alignment. The invention may be constructed of any suitablematerial, natural or synthetic, that is sufficiently strong to withstandboth the internal pressures of the media as well as externalenvironments and temperatures without rupture or leakage.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1: Two Port Side View: Two (In/Out) Ports (#5) shown on one side ofthe Manifold. Said ports extend within the Manifold to intersect withthe Shaft assembly.

FIG. 2: One Port Side View: One (In/Out) Port (#5) shown on one side ofthe Manifold. Said port extends within the Manifold to intersect withthe Shaft assembly.

FIG. 3: Exploded View: shows the Sealant Surface (#12) upon the Shaft,(#3) that is inserted into the Bushing (#6) and held in location by theBearing Spring assembly (#8,9) located internally within the Bushing(#6). The entire Shaft/Bushing (#'s 12, 3, 6) assembly is mounted withinthe Manifold (#1) with Mounting Screws (#7). The Knob (#10) inserts ontothe rotate-able Shaft (#3) and visually camouflages the internalassembly.

FIG. 4: Sagittal View Assembled: shows FIG. 3 as assembled foroperation. FIG. 5: Sagittal View Assembled: shows FIG. 3 as assembledfor operation.

SUMMARY OF ADVANTAGES

From the description and illustration of each embodiment of eachcomponent hereinabove, numerous advantages become evident:

The Multiple Port Distribution Manifold:

-   -   1) is simple in design, efficient in use and easy to manufacture        with low level technology.    -   2) uniquely routes the media through the Selector Knob port, at        a predetermined angle relative to the Multiple Ports, without        use of external connectors or swivels.    -   3) is mountable to surfaces and other host.    -   4) is attachable to a variety of supply and destination        hoses/devices.    -   5) is scalable to accommodate different media and flow rates.    -   6) is adaptable in structure and the materials from which it is        manufactured as dictated by the requirements of its application.    -   7) may be fabricated from a vast array of materials including        but not limited to: metals, plastics, synthetics, rubbers,        carbons, composites as well as an array of natural and synthetic        fabrics.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly the reader will see that a variety of applications arepossible, depending upon the direction of flow, with the teachings ofthe various embodiments. Each offers an alternative set of advantagesand anticipated uses.

Operation

The Multiple Port Distribution Manifold may be used in the followingmanner.

Application I: From Plurality to One

-   1. A single destination Port (#4) is associated with one of a    plurality of source ports (#5) by rotation of the Knob/Shaft/Sealant    assembly (#'s 10, 3, 12) within the Bushing (#6)-   2. Both destination Port (#4) and source ports (#5) are connectable    to any device, hose or coupling.-   3. Alternatively the user rotates the Knob/Shaft/Sealant assembly    (#'s 10,3,12) to a non-associated “off” position to stop the flow of    media through the manifold.

Application II: From One to Plurality

-   1. A single source Port (#4) is associated with one of a plurality    of destination ports (#5) by rotation of the Knob/Shaft/Sealant    assembly (#'s 10, 3, 12) within the Bushing (#6)-   2. Both destination Port (#4) and source ports (#5) are connectable    to any device, hose or coupling.-   3. Alternatively the user rotates the Knob/Shaft/Sealant assembly    (#'s 10,3,12) to a non-associated “off” position to stop the flow of    media through the manifold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a distributionmanifold of predetermined height, length and width that retains within ahollow, rotate-able shaft through which a gas or liquid media may flowbetween an end opening port and a side opening that is select-ablyaligned with one of a plurality of ports within a manifold in apredetermined angle and direction. Said rotate-able shaft is retainedwithin the manifold by a bushing, whereby said shaft may rotate to alignsaid side opening with any one of a plurality of predetermined portslocated around the circumference of said bushing. Said shaft may alsorotate to a position were no orifice exists, and thereby stop the flowof media. Said bushing and shaft are mounted within said manifold by apredetermined number of mounting screws. Said shaft has circular indentsof predetermined size, depth and location around its circumference thatcommunicate with a bearing that is pressurized against said shaft by aspring within said bushing. A selector knob is affixed to around the endopening by a set screw, at a predetermined position, whereby the saidshaft may be rotated to positions select-ably determined by a springthat exerts pressure upon a bearing into indents spaced in predeterminedlocations around the circumference of the shaft. A sealant material ofpredetermined density is affixed to the outer circumference of saidshaft and rotate-ably communicates with the inner circumference of saidbushing, whereby said media is retained within said shaft and saidselected orifice. The manifold is attachable to a user defined hostsurface or device by a predetermined number of mounting screws.

The invention provides a method of select-ably routing a gas or liquidmedia between one orifice and a plurality of orifices within a manifold,whereby selection of one orifice is made from a plurality of choices byrotation of a knob, connected to a hollow shaft through which said mediamay pass between said selected plurality orifice and one orifice locatedat the hollow open end of said shaft.

What I claim is:
 1. A distribution manifold of predetermined height,length and width that retains within a rotate-able hollow shaft, throughwhich a gas or liquid media may flow between an end opening port and aside opening that is select-ably aligned with one of a plurality ofports within said manifold at a predetermined alternative direction andangle to that of said opening port.
 2. The hollow shaft of claim 1,wherein said shaft is retained by and rotates within a bushing to alignsaid side opening with any one of a plurality of predetermined openingswithin said bushing located around the circumference of said bushing. 3.The bushing of claim 2, wherein the said openings align with an equallypredetermined number of ports at equally predetermined locations withinsaid manifold.
 4. The shaft of claim 1, wherein said shaft may rotate toa position were no orifice exists, and stop media flow thereby.
 5. Thebushing and shaft of claim 2 is mounted within said manifold by apredetermined number of mounting screws.
 6. The shaft of claim 2,wherein circular indents of predetermined size, depth and locationaround its circumference communicate with a bearing that is pressurizedagainst said shaft by a spring.
 7. The bearing and spring of claim 6,wherein said bearing and spring communicate with said shaft from withinsaid bushing.
 8. The shaft of claim 1, wherein a knob is affixed by setscrew around the end opening at a predetermined position, whereby thesaid shaft may be rotated to positions select-ably predetermined by saidindents, bearing and spring.
 9. The shaft of claim 1, wherein a sealantmaterial of predetermined density is affixed to the outer circumferenceof said shaft and rotate-ably communicates with the inner circumferenceof said bushing, whereby said media is retained within said shaft,bushing and selected port.
 10. The manifold of claim 1 wherein apredetermined number of mounting screws communicate with said manifold,a user defined host surface or device for purposes of attachment.
 11. Amethod of select-ably routing a gas or liquid media between a singleport and one of a plurality of ports within a manifold whereby: a.selection is by rotation of a knob, connected to a hollow shaft throughwhich said media may pass between said single port and said one of aplurality of ports. b. said shaft may rotate to a position were no portexists and stop media flow thereby.
 12. A multiple port distributionmanifold, substantially as herein described with reference to anyexample thereof and with reference to the drawings.
 13. A multiple portdistribution manifold, as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereindescribed with reference to any example thereof.